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Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, Česko - Things to Do in Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul

Things to Do in Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul

Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, Česko - Complete Travel Guide

Brno, the second-largest city in the Czech Republic, is a vibrant cultural and educational hub that beautifully blends medieval architecture with modern innovation. The city's crown jewel is the magnificent Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, perched atop Petrov Hill and dominating the skyline with its distinctive neo-Gothic twin spires. This architectural masterpiece, dating back to the 13th century, serves as both a spiritual center and a symbol of Brno's rich history. Beyond its stunning cathedral, Brno offers visitors a captivating mix of historical sites, world-class museums, and a thriving contemporary arts scene. The city's compact historic center is perfect for walking, with cobblestone streets leading to hidden courtyards, baroque churches, and the imposing Špilberk Castle. As a major university town, Brno pulses with youthful energy, evident in its numerous cafes, craft breweries, and cultural venues that make it one of Central Europe's most dynamic destinations.

Top Things to Do in Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul

Explore Špilberk Castle and Museum

Visit this 13th-century fortress that served as a royal castle, baroque citadel, and notorious prison. The castle now houses the Brno City Museum with exhibitions on local history and offers panoramic views over the city. The underground casemates provide a fascinating glimpse into the castle's darker past as a Habsburg prison.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around 120 CZK for adults, with combination tickets available for multiple exhibitions. Visit in late afternoon for the best lighting for photos and fewer crowds. Audio guides are available in multiple languages for an additional fee.

Discover the Brno Underground

Explore the extensive network of medieval cellars and tunnels beneath the old town, including the second-largest ossuary in Europe. The underground tour reveals centuries of history, from medieval storage spaces to wartime shelters. The bone church contains remains of over 50,000 people and offers a unique perspective on Brno's past.

Booking Tip: Tours cost approximately 150 CZK and must be booked in advance, especially during summer months. Tours run in Czech, English, and German at scheduled times. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a light jacket as temperatures underground are cool year-round.

Visit Villa Tugendhat

Tour this UNESCO World Heritage modernist villa designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in 1930. The villa represents a masterpiece of functionalist architecture and offers insight into avant-garde design and the lifestyle of Brno's wealthy Jewish families before WWII. The building showcases revolutionary use of space, materials, and technology.

Booking Tip: Advance reservations are essential as only 15 people are allowed per tour. Standard tours cost 350 CZK, with extended tours at 500 CZK. Book online several weeks ahead, especially for weekend visits. Photography inside requires a special permit.

Experience Brno's Food Scene

Sample traditional Moravian cuisine and modern Czech gastronomy at local restaurants, wine bars, and the bustling Zelný trh (Cabbage Market). Try specialties like svíčková, moravský vrabec, and local wines from the nearby South Moravian wine region. The market square has been operating for over 700 years and offers fresh produce, local delicacies, and traditional crafts.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost 800-1200 CZK per person and last 3-4 hours. Book tours that include both traditional restaurants and modern establishments. Evening tours often include wine tastings and cost slightly more. Look for small group sizes for a more personalized experience.

Stroll Through Lužánky Park and City Center

Walk through the oldest public park in the Czech Republic, then explore the historic city center with its baroque and renaissance buildings. The pedestrian zone around náměstí Svobody offers excellent shopping, dining, and people-watching opportunities. Don't miss the astronomical clock that drops a marble at 11 AM instead of noon, commemorating Brno's successful defense against Swedish forces.

Booking Tip: Free walking tours are available daily and work on a tip-based system. Private guided walks cost 1500-2500 CZK for small groups. Morning tours are less crowded and offer better photo opportunities. Many tours combine the park, city center, and cathedral in a 2-3 hour route.

Getting There

Brno is easily accessible by train, bus, or car from Prague (2.5 hours by train or car) and Vienna (1.5 hours by train). The main railway station (Brno hlavní nádraží) connects to major European cities, while RegioJet and FlixBus provide comfortable bus connections. Brno-Tuřany Airport offers limited flights, mainly to London, Munich, and seasonal destinations. Most international visitors arrive via Prague's Václav Havel Airport and take ground transportation to Brno.

Getting Around

Brno has an excellent public transportation system with trams, buses, and trolleybuses covering the entire city. Single tickets cost 25 CZK and day passes are 110 CZK, available from machines, kiosks, or mobile apps. The historic center is compact and walkable, with most major attractions within a 15-minute walk of each other. Taxis and ride-sharing services are available, and bike-sharing systems operate throughout the city during warmer months.

Where to Stay

Historic City Center
Petrov Hill area
Lužánky Park vicinity
Janáček Theatre district
Špilberk Castle area
Mendel Square neighborhood

Food & Dining

Brno's culinary scene combines traditional Moravian dishes with innovative contemporary cuisine and international flavors. The city center offers everything from traditional hospodas serving goulash and beer to upscale restaurants featuring modern interpretations of Czech classics. Local specialties include Moravian sparrow (pork with dumplings), wine from nearby vineyards, and excellent Czech beer from local breweries like Starobrno. The Zelný trh market provides fresh ingredients and local delicacies, while the area around Jakubské náměstí hosts numerous wine bars and bistros perfect for evening dining.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Brno

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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La Famiglia Brno

4.5 /5
(3039 reviews) 2

La Speranza

4.5 /5
(1669 reviews) 2

Castellana Trattoria

4.6 /5
(1458 reviews) 3
liquor_store store

la cucina nera

4.7 /5
(895 reviews) 2

L’Osteria Bochnerův palác

4.5 /5
(602 reviews)

Bistro Di Napoli

4.8 /5
(522 reviews) 2
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When to Visit

The best time to visit Brno is from May to September when temperatures are mild and outdoor activities are most enjoyable. Summer months (June-August) offer the warmest weather and longest days, perfect for exploring the cathedral and castle grounds, though they're also the busiest. Spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) provide pleasant weather with fewer crowds and beautiful colors around Petrov Hill. Winter visits can be magical with Christmas markets and fewer tourists, though some attractions may have reduced hours.

Insider Tips

Climb the cathedral towers for the best panoramic views of the city - the climb is steep but worth it for photographers
Visit during the Brno Contemporary Arts Biennial or Janáček Festival for exceptional cultural experiences beyond the typical tourist attractions
Try the local wine bars in the evening - Brno is the gateway to the Moravian wine region and offers excellent local vintages at reasonable prices

Explore Activities in Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul